tortoiseshell

noun

tor·toise·shell | \ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel,

-əsh-ˌshel\

Definition of tortoiseshell

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2 or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

tortoiseshell

adjective

Definition of tortoiseshell (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring tortoiseshell glasses

2 : of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The sunny, sporty crop often called for a hair accessory or two (think: tortoiseshell headbands, oversize sunglasses, small plastic hair pins placed just inches from her side part—very ’90s prep). — Kate Branch, Vogue, "A Love Letter to the ’90s Bob That Changed Everything," 15 July 2018 Kenny paired the dress with a pair of white sling-backs with a tortoiseshell block heel, a white shoulder bag, and a large set of hoop earrings. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Wore a Corset Dress on the Red Carpet," 8 Oct. 2018 Here, her patients include a Doberman pinscher suffering from a gunshot wound, a tortoiseshell cat impaled by an arrow and a miniature dachshund seriously sick after eating a hot dog. — New York Times, "Wild Animals Gallop, Swim and Scamper Their Way Through These Books," 25 May 2018 The microbud print was the ideal foil to her soccer player–inspired Isabel Marant shower slides, which featured thick straps, and vintage-looking tortoiseshell shades completed the ensemble. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Of Course Dakota Johnson Gets Her Groceries in Chic Shower Slides," 18 June 2018 There are records of Japanese men sheathing their penises with primitive condoms made of stuff like leather (erotic) and tortoiseshell (no thanks). — Carolyn Todd, Allure, "The History and Evolution of Birth Control in America," 12 July 2018 The features editor looked like a young Virginia Woolf in tortoiseshell glasses. — Thomas Swick, Longreads, "Letters from Trenton," 5 July 2018 The Dipsea splits the difference with a classic keyhole nose shape and a tortoiseshell frame, while the amber lenses are pure performance: certified UVA/B polarized protection. — Ben Fox, Outside Online, "6 Style Upgrades From Huckberry's Summer Catalog," 19 June 2018 Her classic tortoiseshell sunglasses from Finlay London Percy were her eyewear of choice for her first official appearance with Prince Harry, at the Invictus Games in Toronto in September 2017. — Erin Hill, PEOPLE.com, "Queen Elizabeth Underwent Surgery Last Month — and It Explains Why She’s Been Wearing Sunglasses," 8 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Meghan also donned a pair of her favorite Sarah Flint pumps, which feature a tortoiseshell heel. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Just Wore the Chicest Wrap Jacket by Australian Designer Scanlan Theodore," 27 Oct. 2018 Matchett also produces tortoiseshell hair accessories and has expanded into silver and gold stainless steel hoops too. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping With This Line of Pretty, Affordable Tortoiseshell Earrings," 1 Nov. 2017 He was dressed casually but crisply, tortoiseshell glasses framing his face and a giant analog watch devouring his right wrist. — Jesse Lichtenstein, New York Times, "A Whimsical Wordsmith Charts a Course Beyond Twitter," 15 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.